Things To Do
in Ochsenhausen

Ochsenhausen is a charming town in Baden-Württemberg, founded around a historic monastery that dominates the skyline. Today it blends Baroque and half-timbered architecture with quiet streets and scenic river views. Located in the Swabian countryside near the edge of the Swabian Alb, it serves as a relaxed base for culture and nature.

Stroll the cobbled lanes, visit the monastery museum, and savor traditional Swabian dishes at local taverns.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore the Ochsenhausen Monastery
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the beautiful Baroque Monastery of Ochsenhausen. Marvel at the stunning architecture and priceless artworks housed within its walls. Don't miss the peaceful gardens that offer a serene setting for reflection.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café where you can taste traditional Swabian dishes. Afterward, take a guided tour of the monastery to delve deeper into its rich history and artistic significance. The adjoining library is a treasure trove of historical texts worth exploring.

evening
:

As dusk falls, find a cozy spot in a nearby pub to sample regional wines and beers. Engage with locals and fellow travelers while enjoying live music that often fills the air. Cap off your evening with a stroll through the charming streets of the town.

day 2
Visit the Museum of Local History
morning
:

Start your day at the Museum of Local History, where exhibits display the rich cultural heritage of the region. The museum opens early, allowing you to soak in the artifacts and stories that shaped Ochsenhausen. Take your time to appreciate the intricate details of each exhibit.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a nearby bistro, take part in a workshop to learn a traditional craft, such as pottery or woodwork, offered by local artisans. This hands-on experience will immerse you in the artistic traditions of the area. Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering through the museum's gardens.

evening
:

In the evening, join a guided night walk that reveals the history and legends of Ochsenhausen under starlit skies. The tour guides share fascinating tales that bring the town's history to life. End your day with a delicious dinner at a restaurant renowned for its seasonal specialties.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee in a café$3-5
🚆Local transit ticket (one-way)$2-4
🍺Beer at a bar$4-6
🏠One-bedroom apartment rent (city center)$900-1200

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable town center with rich Swabian heritage
  • Beautiful monastic architecture and tranquil countryside
  • Good value for money with authentic local cuisine
  • Easy day trips to the Swabian Alb and nearby towns
  • Limited nightlife and fewer big-city amenities
  • Public transport is reliable but not as frequent as in larger cities
  • Some services in the smallest venues may prefer cash
  • "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Ich hätte gern…" - I would like…
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Könnten Sie mir helfen?" - Could you help me?
  • "Ich verstehe nicht" - I don’t understand
  • "Danke schön" - Thank you
  • "Bitte" - Please / you’re welcome
  • "Die Rechnung, bitte" - The bill, please

Places to Visit in Ochsenhausen

Visit one of these nice places.

Kloster Ochsenhausen Courtyard

The monastery complex and Baroque church provide regal façades and atmospheric arches for architectural photography.

Market Square and Timber-Framed Houses

Colorful half-timbered façades and a lively square create charming street photography scenes.

Town Park with River Views

Serene greenery and small water features offer tranquil nature shots and candid street photography.

Scenic Countryside Lanes

Quiet rural roads with hedgerows and gentle hills yield classic Swabian landscape photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ochsenhausen

The Swabian cuisine here emphasizes hearty, rustic dishes—potatoes, noodles, pork, and fresh regional produce—often served in generous portions.

Ochsenhausen Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Maultaschen

Swabian pockets filled with meat, spinach and herbs; often served in broth or with fried onions.

Must-Try!

Käse Spätzle

Egg noodles with melted cheese and onions; a comforting vegetarian option when available.

Linsen mit Spätzle

Lentils with spätzle, a traditional Swabian combination topped with caramelized onions.

Schäufele

Slow-roasted pork shoulder with crackling, typically served with mashed potatoes or dumplings.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Market Square Farmers Market

Saturday morning market selling local dairy, produce, sausages, pretzels, and regional specialties.

Seasonal Street Food Stalls

Occasional pop-up stalls offering regional snacks and quick bites during town events.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ochsenhausen experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant (often in the 20s Celsius), while winters are cold with occasional snowfall (0 to 5°C on average). Rain is fairly evenly distributed, with occasional heavy showers in spring and autumn. The Swabian landscape can feel humidity-rich, especially in late spring and early autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greet and address

Greet with a polite 'Guten Tag' and use 'Sie' (formal) with strangers unless invited to use 'du'.

Quiet in public spaces

Maintain a courteous volume in shops, churches, and on public transport.

Punctuality

Be on time for meetings and reservations; it is valued in business and social settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

The town is generally very safe with low crime rates. Standard travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas, and be mindful of dusk-era sidewalk conditions. If hiking or cycling, carry a phone, map, and basic first-aid kit; emergency numbers are 112 (ambulance) and 110 (police).

Tipping in Ochsenhausen

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving about 5–10% is common if service was good.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted in small venues; debit/EC cards are common, and contactless payments are increasingly popular.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming orchards make for pleasant city walks and easy day trips.

Summer

Warm days and longer evenings; occasional thunderstorms—carry water and a light layer for evenings out.

Autumn

Golden foliage and harvest fairs; ideal for scenic drives and nature hikes.

Winter

Cold but crisp; Christmas markets in nearby towns; stay warm with hot drinks and hearty Swabian fare.

Nightlife Guide

Ochsenhausen at Night

Ochsenhausen offers a mellow nightlife scene centered on local pubs, beer gardens, and occasional live music at community venues. Cafés and small bars provide relaxed atmospheres for chatting with locals. Seasonal events and festivals bring crowds, but the town is not a party-focused destination. For a broader nightlife scene, short trips to nearby Ulm or Biberach provide additional options.

Hiking in Ochsenhausen

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Swabian Alb foothill trails

Accessible day hikes with scenic viewpoints and forested sections.

Federsee region trails

Nearby nature reserve area with flat to rolling trails perfect for easy strolls and birdwatching.

Biberach and surrounding countryside loops

Historic towns linked by scenic countryside paths suitable for longer day hikes.

Airports

How to reach Ochsenhausen by plane.

Memmingen Airport (FMM)

Regional airport about an hour from Ochsenhausen; good for domestic and some European flights and convenient for easy access to the region.

Stuttgart Airport (STR)

Major international hub about 110–130 km away; excellent rail and road connections to Ochsenhausen.

Munich Airport (MUC)

Large international hub roughly 180–200 km away; frequent long-haul and European flights; well-connected by rail.

Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH)

Small regional airport about 150 km away; useful for select regional routes and general aviation.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is highly walkable, with most attractions, cafés, and restaurants within a short stroll. Pedestrian zones and well-maintained sidewalks make exploring pleasant, especially in good weather. Parking can be limited in peak hours, but public transit offers convenient options for longer trips.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

A family-friendly town with safe streets, good schools nearby, and community events.

Retirees

Relatively high proportion of long-term residents enjoying peaceful town life and cultural activities.

Commuters

Residents who travel to larger towns for work while enjoying a quieter home base.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Fußball)

Popular at local clubs and for weekend matches among residents.

Cycling

Renowned for easy-to-challenge rides along rural lanes and scenic routes.

Hiking

Many trails into the Swabian Alb and surrounding forests; suitable for day trips.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport is reliable with regional trains and bus routes connecting Ochsenhausen to Ulm, Biberach, and nearby towns. The road network is convenient for car travel, with easy access to the A7 and nearby highways. Sundays can see lighter traffic and many shops closed, typical for small towns in this region.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ochsenhausen.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for Käse Spätzle or Maultaschen variations without meat; many spots can adapt dishes upon request.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is readily available in Ochsenhausen with local general practitioners and pharmacies. For specialized care, residents typically travel to nearby towns such as Biberach an der Riß or Ulm. The German healthcare system provides comprehensive coverage with the European Health Insurance Card where applicable.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide